Robbie Ferris
RALEIGH, N.C. Engineering News-Record, the leading trade publication for engineering and construction professionals, released its “Top 25 Newsmakers 2017” list and Raleigh-based SfL+a Architects (SfL+a) earned a spot. Robbie Ferris, president and CEO of SfL+a Architects and Firstfloor Energy Positive, was recognized as a top newsmaker for his implementation of the design-build-finance-maintain approach to delivering energy-positive K-12 schools.
Committed to innovative thinking, SfL+a offers the design of high performance facilities that will serve the community and environment for decades into the future, all while implementing its core values – people, passion, commitment, integrity and innovation. It is through this mission where Ferris developed the concept of the design-build-finance-maintain approach. Operating under this method, SfL+a is able to save school districts money while improving occupant performance.
“Our team of experts apply their unique knowledge in architectural design to reduce the life-cycle costs for our projects and ensure that every building we design dramatically reduces energy consumption, thus building the most energy-efficient facilities in the country,” said Ferris. “Through this theory, we are able to fully optimize a building to ensure it is performing to the best level possible. In order to do this, we must either own the building or be responsible for operation of the HVAC and lighting systems.”
This approach is challenging, as it is not permitted in every state or county. School districts are not only responsible for balancing its budgets but, more importantly, the performance of its students; the SfL+a approach assists in both.
“Having an energy-positive criteria adds a premium of about 2% to 4% to the school’s initial cost, however, with no monthly electric bill, school owners can achieve payback in five to 10 years,” explained Ferris. Additionally, high-performance schools tout open spaces, clean air, thermal energy and inside-outside connections. Together these features significantly improve the performance of its occupants.
SfL+a has completed several projects under its design-build-finance-maintain approach. To learn more about these project, Ferris and his philosophy visit SfLa.biz or Firstfloor.biz – or onFacebook and LinkedIn.
ABOUT FIRSTFLOOR ENERGY POSITIVE:
Firstfloor Energy Positive is a company specifically designed to provide turnkey development solutions to educational institutions. Firstfloor Energy Positive’s primary objective is focusing on the individual needs of clients. Providing creative, cost-effective development solutions to our client’s needs is Firstfloor Energy Positive’s philosophy. Applying over six decades of experience in project design, site acquisition, financing, construction, construction management, and property management makes this all possible.
ABOUT SFL+A ARCHITECTS:
SfL+a Architects a leading architectural firm, established in 1982, focused on delivering high-performance facilities that will serve communities and environment for decades into the future. SfL+a Architects strives to accomplish all this while maintaining its core values – people, passion, commitment, integrity and innovation. The company’s business model demands that SfL+a Architects design buildings to be at a minimum LEED Silver and nothing less. Specializing in delivering extremely energy efficient buildings, including energy positive ones, it creates engaging environments that positively impact people, communities and the environment. Teaming up with its sister-company, Firstfloor, SfL+a Architects offers alternative delivery methods including financing solutions that reduce total cost of ownership for clients.
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